Calendula Apron Bunny – Knitting

This sweet heirloom-style bunny is designed with a soft cream body, long floppy ears, a blush-apricot apron dress, a slouchy taupe beret, mustard shoes, and a full set of charming picnic props. The finished toy has the look of a collectible handmade rabbit doll often searched for by shoppers looking for a knitted bunny doll, nursery gift, handmade stuffed animal, spring rabbit decor, or artisan toy for Easter baskets and baby gifts. Every detail is shaped to match the picture closely, including the little duckling, flower basket, bouquet, shoulder purse, and tiny milk bottle.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials

• Main bunny color: soft cream or light oatmeal DK yarn
• Dress color: muted apricot-peach DK yarn
• Beret, purse, and basket color: warm taupe or mushroom beige DK yarn
• Shoes: warm mustard or honey gold DK yarn
• Duckling body: pale yellow DK yarn
• Duckling dress: pale oatmeal or light beige DK yarn
• Duckling beak and feet: soft orange DK yarn
• Leaf and stems: sage and moss green DK yarn
• Flower shades: marigold, mustard, tangerine, rust, cream, and golden yellow DK yarn
• Milk bottle cap: pale blue DK yarn
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Pair of straight needles or circular needles used flat: US 2.5 to US 4, depending on your tension
• Double-pointed needles for very small pieces if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Black embroidery thread or tiny black safety eyes
• Strong sewing thread for shaping if needed

Finished Size

The bunny stands about 10 to 12 inches tall from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, not including the beret. With the beret in place, the overall height looks slightly taller. The duckling is small enough to sit beside the bunny’s foot, and the accessories are scaled to feel delicate and decorative.

Gauge and General Notes

Use a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show. The fabric in the picture looks smooth, even, and tightly worked. Knit all body pieces flat and seam them unless you strongly prefer working in the round. Flat knitting helps create the neat sculpted look seen in the image.

The bunny body is softly stuffed, not overly round. The head is a smooth oval with a gently tapered muzzle. The arms are narrow and lightly curved. The legs are straight and slim. The ears are long, flat, and relaxed, hanging down on both sides of the face.

The apron dress is simple in shape, slightly flared, and decorated with raised floral motifs placed around the lower half. The beret is intentionally slouchy, with a ribbed band and a small knitted leaf accent. The shoes are short ankle shoes with a strap effect worked or sewn across the front.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Construction Overview

1. Knit the head, body, arms, legs, and ears.
2. Assemble and shape the bunny carefully.
3. Knit the beret, dress, and shoes.
4. Make the small accessories: purse, bouquet, basket, duckling, and milk bottle.
5. Attach all decorative details and finish the face.

Bunny Head

The head in the picture is softly oval, slightly broader through the cheeks, and narrower toward the chin. The face is gentle and centered, with tiny dark eyes placed low enough to feel sweet rather than startled. The muzzle is shaped with a vertical nose line and a shallow Y-shaped mouth.

Knit 2 identical head side pieces in cream.

1. Cast on 14 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 18 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 20 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 22 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 23: work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
11. Row 24: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
12. Row 25: p.
13. Row 26: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 18 sts.
14. Row 27: p.
15. Row 28: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
16. Row 29: p.
17. Row 30: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 14 sts.
18. Bind off.

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Knit a center head strip in cream to join the two side pieces and give the head depth.

1. Cast on 6 sts.
2. Work 28 rows in stockinette.
3. Bind off.

Sew the center strip to one side piece from the base of the neck, over the top of the head, and down to the other side. Add the second side piece. Leave the lower neck edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly. Do not overfill the muzzle area. The head should feel plump yet refined, not spherical.

Bunny Ears

The ears are long, narrow at the tip, gently wider toward the base, and completely floppy. They sit under the beret and fall past the shoulders. Each ear looks lightly stuffed or even unstuffed, which helps them drape naturally.

Knit 2 ears in cream.

1. Cast on 4 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 34: work in stockinette.
11. Row 35: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
12. Row 36: p.
13. Row 37: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 8 sts.
14. Row 38: p.
15. Bind off.

Fold each ear lengthwise with right sides together and seam around the edge, leaving the base open. Turn right side out. Add only a touch of stuffing at the base if needed. Flatten the rest so the ear hangs softly.

Bunny Body

The body is smaller than the head and pear-shaped, with a narrow upper chest and fuller lower torso. Because the dress covers much of the body, keep the shaping clean and balanced. A stable body helps the bunny stand well once the legs are attached.

Knit 2 body pieces in cream.

1. Cast on 14 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 18 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 20 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Rows 8 to 20: stockinette.
10. Row 21: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 18 sts.
11. Row 22: p.
12. Row 23: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
13. Row 24: p.
14. Rows 25 to 30: stockinette.
15. Bind off.

Sew around the sides and bottom. Leave the neck open. Stuff firmly enough for shape, but keep the silhouette elegant, not bulky. The picture shows a modest torso that lets the head remain the focus.

Bunny Arms

The arms are slim tubes with a tiny puff at the upper arm because of the sleeve cap sitting above them. The paws are simple and rounded. They angle slightly inward, resting near the dress front.

Knit 2 arms in cream.

1. Cast on 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 14: work in stockinette.
3. Row 15: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 16 to 22: stockinette.
5. Bind off.

Sew side seams, turn, and stuff lightly. Flatten the upper edge before attaching so the arms sit close to the torso rather than sticking straight out.

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Bunny Legs

The legs are straight, narrow, and slightly longer than the arms. They are close together under the hem of the dress. Keep them even in length so the bunny stands properly.

Knit 2 legs in cream.

1. Cast on 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 20: stockinette.
3. Row 21: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 8 sts.
4. Rows 22 to 24: stockinette.
5. Bind off.

Sew and stuff firmly. The lower leg should be stable, while the upper leg can remain slightly softer for easier assembly.

Simple Tail

The tail is hidden by the dress, but a small pom-pom tail helps the bunny feel complete.

1. Cast on 6 sts in cream.
2. Knit 6 rows in stockinette.
3. Thread yarn through live stitches, gather tightly, and stuff lightly before closing.

Apron Dress

The dress is one of the key features in the picture. It is a warm peach-apricot pinafore style with straps, a gently curved neckline, and a slight flare from top to hem. The lower section carries several calendula-like flower motifs in orange and yellow tones with green stems and leaves.

The dress should fit over the body neatly without looking oversized. The hem sits above the ankles, allowing the striped legs and shoes to show clearly.

Knit the skirt portion flat in apricot.

1. Cast on 42 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Row 5: k.
4. Row 6: p.
5. Row 7: k2tog, k18, k2tog, k18, k2tog. 39 sts.
6. Row 8: p.
7. Row 9: k.
8. Row 10: p.
9. Row 11: k2tog, k17, k2tog, k17, k2tog. 36 sts.
10. Rows 12 to 18: stockinette.
11. Row 19: k2tog, k14, k2tog, k14, k2tog. 33 sts.
12. Rows 20 to 26: stockinette.
13. Row 27: k2tog, k13, k2tog, k13, k2tog. 30 sts.
14. Rows 28 to 34: stockinette.

Now shape the upper bib and sides.

1. Row 35: k7, bind off 16, k7.
2. Work left side first for 2 rows in stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge on next RS row, then work 3 more rows.
4. Continue on 6 sts for strap. Work 12 more rows in stockinette or 1×1 rib.
5. Bind off.
6. Join yarn to right side and mirror the shaping.

For the lower back, you may either leave the dress open and fasten at the shoulders or make a full back panel. To match the neat front-focused look in the image, a simple back panel works well.

Knit a back skirt matching rows 1 to 34 of the front, but without the bib. At the top edge, bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then continue on the center stitches for 6 rows. Make 2 straps matching the front straps and sew to the back top edge.

Floral Decoration on the Dress

The flowers on the dress are essential. They look like knitted or applied knitted blossoms rather than embroidered circles. Make 7 small flowers in mixed shades of marigold, mustard, rust, and orange. Each flower has a slightly darker or lighter center, giving the garment a lively garden look.

For each flower:

1. Cast on 24 sts with flower color.
2. Work 1 row purl.
3. Next row: k2tog across to 12 sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, gather into a rosette.

Make tiny center knots or tiny gathered circles in contrasting yellow, rust, or gold. Sew one center onto each flower. Flatten gently.

Arrange one flower at the center upper bib, then place 6 flowers spaced across the lower front and slightly around each side, as shown in the image. Add stems with green yarn using narrow knitted cords or duplicate stitch lines. Add paired leaves under several blooms.

The stems should rise vertically from the hem area. The leaves are small almond shapes angled outward. Keep the motif placement balanced, but not perfectly identical. The picture has a handmade, natural arrangement rather than rigid symmetry.

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Puffed Sleeve Caps

The bunny appears to wear tiny sleeve frills at the top of the arms, just below the shoulder line. These can be made as miniature cuffs to soften the arm join.

1. Cast on 12 sts in cream for each sleeve cap.
2. Work 3 rows in 1×1 rib.
3. Bind off loosely.

Sew each ring lightly around the upper arm or directly at the shoulder seam so it forms a gentle puff.

Beret

The beret is oversized compared with the head, but still delicate. It has a ribbed brim and a softly slouched top leaning slightly to one side. A small green knitted leaf embellishment sits near the front edge.

1. Cast on 48 sts in taupe.
2. Work 6 rows in 1×1 rib.
3. Next RS row: kfb across. 96 sts.
4. Work 14 rows in stockinette.
5. Next RS row: k10, k2tog across. 88 sts.
6. Work 1 WS row purl.
7. Next RS row: k9, k2tog across. 80 sts.
8. Continue decreasing in this style every other row until 16 sts remain.
9. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight.
10. Sew side seam if worked flat.

For the leaf:

1. Cast on 3 sts in green.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
10. Row 9: p.
11. Row 10: sl1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.

Make 2 leaves and sew them overlapping slightly at the beret front. Angle the beret low on the forehead and slightly to one side, allowing the ears to hang from beneath it.

Shoes

The shoes are mustard-gold Mary Jane style ankle shoes. They are short, rounded, and neatly fitted over the feet. A tiny strap detail crosses each front.

Knit 2 shoes.

1. Cast on 12 sts in mustard.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
4. Row 11: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
5. Row 12: p.
6. Row 13: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
7. Bind off.

Sew into small slipper shapes and fit over the bottom of each leg. For the strap, make a tiny i-cord or narrow knitted strip of 3 stitches and sew across the front opening.

Shoulder Purse

The purse is small, rounded, and taupe, with a long strap resting on the table in the image. It is plain and understated so it does not compete with the dress.

1. Cast on 10 sts in taupe.
2. Work 12 rows in stockinette.
3. Knit a second matching piece.
4. Sew together around the sides and bottom.

For the strap, make a narrow cord long enough to drape loosely beside the bunny. Sew one end to each upper side of the purse. Lightly stuff or leave flat depending on the look you prefer. A flat purse matches the image well.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet includes several stems tied together with a bow. The blossoms echo the dress colors: cream, yellow, apricot, and orange. The stems are dusty green.

Make 4 to 5 small flowers using the same rosette method used on the dress, but vary the size slightly. For larger bouquet blooms, cast on 28 stitches. For smaller blooms, cast on 20 stitches. Gather each into a circle.

Make several green cords for stems. Sew one bloom to each stem. Group them together and tie with a short mustard or beige yarn strand. Let the bouquet look relaxed and slightly fanned out rather than tightly packed.

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Flower Basket

The basket is a shallow taupe container with a curved handle and a mound of flowers inside. It sits to the bunny’s right side in the image and should look softly stuffed and sturdy.

1. Cast on 16 sts in taupe.
2. Work 8 rows in garter stitch for the base strip.
3. Pick up stitches around or knit a simple rectangle for the side wall.
4. Work enough rows to create a low basket shape, about 10 to 12 rows.
5. Sew into a squat oval or round basket.

Stuff the base lightly so the basket holds shape. Make a handle from a firm knitted cord and sew it securely from one side to the other. Fill the basket with 6 to 8 tiny blossoms in cream, yellow, and orange. Add a few green leaves between them.

Duckling

The tiny duckling is a delightful extra detail. It has a pale yellow head and wings, an orange beak and feet, a soft oatmeal body, and a mustard ruffled bonnet. The body has a rounded pear shape, and the feet point outward in a playful sitting pose.

Duckling Body

1. Cast on 10 sts in oatmeal.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 12: stockinette.
5. Row 13: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
6. Rows 14 to 18: stockinette.
7. Bind off.

Sew and stuff lightly.

Duckling Head

1. Cast on 8 sts in pale yellow.
2. Increase at each end of every other row until 14 sts.
3. Work 8 rows straight.
4. Decrease at each end of every other row until 8 sts.
5. Bind off.

Sew, stuff, and attach to the body. Add tiny black eyes.

Beak

1. Cast on 6 sts in orange.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Bind off.

Fold and sew into a tiny puffed oval beak.

Wings

Knit 2 tiny yellow wings by casting on 6 stitches, working 4 rows, and decreasing once on the next RS row. Attach one to each side.

Feet

Make 2 tiny orange webbed feet from small embroidered or knitted triangles and sew them to the lower body, turned slightly outward.

Duckling Bonnet

1. Cast on 18 sts in mustard.
2. Work 3 rows in 1×1 rib.
3. Increase evenly to 24 sts.
4. Work 6 rows stockinette.
5. Bind off loosely.

Gather the back edge slightly to form a bonnet shape. Add a short ruffled front edge by stretching the loose bind-off. Place on the duckling’s head.

Milk Bottle

The bottle is tiny, white, and cylindrical with a pale blue top. It should be simple and clean. This prop is small, but it adds a lovely nursery-like story detail beside the duckling.

1. Cast on 8 sts in white.
2. Work 10 rows in stockinette.
3. Switch to pale blue and work 2 rows.
4. Bind off.

Sew into a tube, stuff very lightly, and close the ends. Shape the top slightly narrower if desired.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head firmly to the body. Attach the legs evenly at the lower body so the bunny can stand. Add the arms at shoulder level, angled downward and inward. Sew the ears on top sides of the head, then place the beret over them.

For the face, place two tiny black eyes with a wide, calm spacing. Embroider a small vertical nose line in taupe or brown, then add a short Y-shaped mouth. A tiny stitched indentation at the nose base helps create the gentle muzzle visible in the picture.

Dress the bunny in the apron dress and add the shoes. Arrange the floral motifs carefully before sewing them permanently. Position the purse, bouquet, basket, duckling, and milk bottle as display props.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and mild soap for delicate washing.
• Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces.
• Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
• Keep decorative pieces attached securely if the toy is for display.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is oval, smooth, and not overstuffed
• Ears hang evenly and reach below the shoulders
• Dress flares softly and sits above the ankles
• Flowers are balanced across the bib and lower hem area
• Beret slouches gently with leaves near the front
• Shoes are equal in height and aligned flat
• Accessories are scaled small and neat beside the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bunny out of direct sunlight to protect the cream body and apricot dress from fading. Store in a dry place with good airflow. If packing away seasonally, wrap the bunny and accessories in clean tissue and place them in a breathable cotton bag.

Avoid hanging the purse or bouquet from the bunny for long periods if the pieces are heavy, since this may stretch the stitches. For collector-style display, gently dust with a soft brush. If needed, freshen the toy by airing it out rather than washing too often.

With careful finishing, soft shaping, and neatly placed details, this bunny keeps the same sweet garden feel as the picture: calm face, long ears, peach apron dress, calendula blooms, soft beret, tiny duckling companion, and a full set of warm spring accessories.